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. 2024 Mar 28:13:111.
doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1733_23. eCollection 2024.

Investigating the association between the lunar cycle and sleep, physiological, cognitive, and physical performance in children with Down syndrome

Zohra Lammouchi  1 , Noomen Guelmami  2   3 , Salma Abedelmalek  4 , Mouna Saidane  2   5 , Hatem Ghouili  2 , Mahmoud Rebhi  2 , Mohamed Saifedine Fessi  1 , Mohamed Ben Aissa  2 , Hafsi Bedhioufi  1 , Helmi Ben Saad  4   6 , Ismail Dergaa  2   7   8
Affiliations

Investigating the association between the lunar cycle and sleep, physiological, cognitive, and physical performance in children with Down syndrome

Zohra Lammouchi et al. J Educ Health Promot. .

Abstract

Background: Children with Down syndrome (DS) offer a compelling context within the fieldof human biology for examining potential lunar influences. While the exact mechanisms governing lunar effects are still under investigation, a growing body of scientific inquiry suggests possible connections between lunar phases and physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters. This investigation holds promise for uncovering the intricate interplay between lunar cycles (LCs) and the unique biology of children with DS. This study investigated the potential influence of the LC on physiological, physical, and cognitive parameters in children with DS, focusing on sleep patterns, physical performance, and cognitive abilities.

Materials and methods: Seventeen children with DS participated in this study. Sleep data, physical performance metrics, and cognitive test results were collected throughout the LC, including the new moon (NM), first quarter, full moon (FM), and third quarter. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the differences in these parameters across lunar phases.

Results: Significant differences were observed in sleep patterns, with reduced total sleep time (P < 0.01) and sleep efficiency (P < 0.001) during the FM phase. Heart rates (HRs) before (P < 0.001) and after (P < 0.01) exercise also displayed pronounced changes during LC. Additionally, the reaction time (RT) exhibited a significant difference (P < 0.01) across the lunar phases. However, physical performance metrics, including squat jump (SJ), sprint, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), did not show significant variations.

Conclusion: This study suggests that LC may have a moderating effect on sleep patterns, HR, and cognitive performance in children with DS. These findings have practical implications for caregivers and educators and highlight the importance of considering lunar-associated variations in planning schedules and interventions for children with DS.

Keywords: Biological rhythms; circadian; cognitive abilities; lunar phase; rhythm.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sleep efficiency (a), total sleep time (b), and temperature (c) across the lunar cycle (n = 17). For sleep efficiency: P < .01 full moon (FM) vs. first quarter. For total sleep time: P < .05 for FM vs new moon (NM) and first quarter vs. NM
Figure 2
Figure 2
6-min walk distance (6MWD) (a), sprint time (b), and SJ performance (c) across the lunar cycle (n = 17). FM: full moon. NM: new moon. Rest (before exercise): full moon (FM) vs. first quarter, FM vs. new moon (NM), FM vs. third quarter, first quarter vs. third quarter, and P < 0.05 NM vs. third quarter
Figure 3
Figure 3
Differences in resting (a) and end-walking (b) heart rates (n = 17). Rest (before exercise): P < .01 full moon (FM) vs. first quarter, FM vs. new moon (NM), FM vs. third quarter, first quarter vs. third quarter, and P < .05 NM vs. third quarter. At the end of the walk (after exercise): P < .05 for FM vs. third quarter, first quarter vs. third quarter, and NM vs. third quarter
Figure 4
Figure 4
Mental rotation (a), reaction time (b), and precision (c) across the lunar cycle (N = 17). For mental rotation, P < 0.05 between full moon (FM) vs. first and third quarter. For reaction time, P < 0.05 between FM and new moon (NM)
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